10 Movies and Shows Similar to The Vourdalak (2023)

Description: This film, like 'The Vourdalak', is a gothic horror story rooted in folklore and fairy tales. Both films use dreamlike narratives and symbolic imagery to explore themes of transformation and the beast within. The dark, atmospheric visuals and unsettling tone are shared between the two.

Fact: The film is based on Angela Carter's short stories, which reimagine fairy tales. The werewolf transformations were achieved using practical effects, including animatronics. The film was shot entirely on sound stages to create its surreal, storybook quality.

Description: Both 'The Devil's Backbone' and 'The Vourdalak' are gothic horror films that use historical settings to enhance their eerie atmospheres. They explore themes of ghosts, trauma, and the past haunting the present. The slow-burning tension and emotional depth are key similarities.

Fact: The film is set during the Spanish Civil War, adding a layer of historical horror. Director Guillermo del Toro considers this his most personal film. The ghost's design was inspired by a fetus in a jar that del Toro saw as a child.

Description: This film shares with 'The Vourdalak' a focus on folk horror and the supernatural, set against a historical backdrop. Both films explore themes of paranoia and the unknown, using surreal imagery and a slow-burning narrative to unsettle the viewer. The hallucinogenic sequences in 'A Field in England' mirror the eerie, dreamlike quality of 'The Vourdalak'.

Fact: The film was shot in just 12 days. It was released simultaneously in cinemas, on DVD, and on TV, a first for a British film. Director Ben Wheatley used alchemical texts as inspiration for the film's themes.

Description: Both 'The Hallow' and 'The Vourdalak' are folk horror films that draw on local legends and supernatural elements. They explore themes of nature turning against humans, with a focus on family and survival. The dark, forested settings and creature designs are similar.

Fact: The film was shot in a real forest in Ireland. Director Corin Hardy used practical effects for the creatures to maintain a tangible horror. The film's title refers to the Irish term for fairies or supernatural beings.

Description: Both films are horror stories that delve into the unknown and the supernatural, with a focus on uncovering dark secrets. The claustrophobic setting and gradual reveal of horror are key similarities. The eerie, unsettling atmosphere in both films keeps the audience on edge.

Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days. The role of Jane Doe was played by actress Olwen Catherine Kelly, who had to remain completely still during filming. Director André Øvredal wanted the film to feel like a 'haunted house story in reverse'.

Description: Both 'The Wailing' and 'The Vourdalak' are horror films that blend supernatural elements with deep psychological terror. They explore themes of possession, folklore, and the unknown, with a slow-building tension that culminates in a terrifying climax. The rural settings in both films add to the sense of isolation and dread.

Fact: The film was shot in a real rural village in South Korea. Director Na Hong-jin spent over a year researching shamanistic rituals for the film. The film's title in Korean, 'Goksung', refers to the name of the village where the story takes place.

Description: Like 'The Vourdalak', 'The Lighthouse' is a psychological horror film that delves into themes of isolation, madness, and supernatural dread. Both films use a claustrophobic setting to heighten tension and explore the breakdown of sanity. The black-and-white cinematography and period setting in 'The Lighthouse' also evoke a similar eerie, timeless quality.

Fact: The film was shot in black-and-white to enhance its stark, surreal atmosphere. Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe performed their own stunts, including eating raw eggs and drinking kerosene. The script was inspired by real-life lighthouse keeper stories and the myth of Prometheus.

Description: Like 'The Vourdalak', 'Tumbbad' is a horror film deeply rooted in folklore and mythology. Both films use a slow, atmospheric build-up to explore themes of greed and supernatural punishment. The dark, immersive visuals and historical setting are also shared elements.

Fact: The film took six years to make due to funding issues. It was India's first horror-fantasy film to be critically acclaimed internationally. The creature effects were achieved using a mix of practical and digital effects.

Description: Like 'The Vourdalak', 'The Wind' is a psychological horror film set in an isolated, rural environment. Both films explore themes of paranoia, supernatural dread, and the breakdown of sanity. The slow-burning tension and atmospheric visuals are shared traits.

Fact: The film is set in the American frontier during the late 1800s. Director Emma Tammi drew inspiration from real pioneer diaries. The film's sound design was crucial in creating its eerie atmosphere.

Description: Like 'The Vourdalak', this film is a dark, atmospheric retelling of a classic folk tale. Both films use slow-burning tension and eerie visuals to explore themes of survival and the supernatural. The gothic aesthetic and psychological horror elements are shared.

Fact: The film was shot in Ireland to capture its haunting landscapes. Director Oz Perkins wanted to focus on Gretel's perspective, making her the protagonist. The film's color palette was inspired by 1970s horror films.